U.S. MARAD Presents Posthumous Medals

Press Release

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

On Thursday, May 19, 2011 at 10:00 a.m., as part of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Maritime Day observance, U.S. Maritime Administrator David Matsuda will award six posthumous Merchant Marine Medals to the family of Richard Oliver Kelleher, a merchant marine who was killed during World War II. Matsuda will present the medals to Richard Kelleher’s brother, Herb Kelleher, founder of Southwest Airlines.

Established by Congress in 1933, National Maritime Day is Sunday, May 22, and honors the contributions of the American merchant marine. It is a day set aside to observe the nation’s maritime heritage and recognize the industry’s contributions to the nation’s economic and national security.